Motivation and Goal Setting

Motivation and Growth: Shifting Perspectives and Setting Goals

When it comes to motivating ourselves or others, the key lies in adjusting our outlook rather than trying to become a completely different person. Here are some strategies to foster growth and maintain momentum:

Reflect on Progress: Take a moment to look back and appreciate how far you’ve come or the effort you’ve already invested. Recognizing your journey can reignite motivation and remind you of your commitment.

Simplify the Middle Phase: Progress often feels toughest in the middle of a task or goal. To make this phase more manageable, break your goals into smaller, achievable sub-goals. This keeps the process dynamic and prevents stagnation.

Learn from Negative Feedback: Instead of shying away from setbacks, use them as opportunities for growth. One effective way is to offer advice to others facing similar challenges. By sharing your failures and lessons, you not only help others but also deepen your own understanding. Embrace thoughts like, “This experience enriched me” or “This made me stronger,” to reframe negative feedback as a source of strength.

Pursue Intrinsic Motivation: Focus on activities that feel fulfilling in themselves—things you genuinely enjoy and find fun. Intrinsic motivation naturally fuels engagement and makes the process rewarding.

The Power of Goal Systems

Creating a clear goal system can provide direction and purpose. Goals can be lifelong or short-term, such as annual objectives. Start by mapping out your goals and identifying how they relate to one another. Ideally, your goals should reinforce each other, creating a synergistic effect.

Next, list the activities required to achieve each goal. Look for activities that contribute to multiple goals, as these are especially valuable to prioritize. Goals not only give you a sense of purpose but also foster intrinsic motivation, encourage engagement, and help you connect with others.

The beauty of goals lies in their ability to inspire action, provide clarity, and enrich your life. By aligning your efforts with meaningful objectives, you can create a fulfilling and purpose-driven path forward.

Ayelet Fishbach. University of Chicago Booth School of Business

www.ted.com/talks/ayelet_fishbach_4_proven_ways_to_kick_your_procrastination_habit